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Ode to a Nation

There are many ways to pay tribute to a region. Students will choose a country or nation to learn about and write a poem about its positive characteristics.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students think about ways people pay tribute to a country or nation. These might include singing national anthems, writing books or poetry about it, and painting scenes that are reflective of the place. Ask students to choose a country or nation they would like to laud in an illustrated poem. It might be their own country, a nation associated with ancestors or loved ones, or anywhere that interests or has special meaning to them. Have them research the region and write some descriptive words or phrases associated with it.

  • Step 2

    Have students write a poem about the country or nation they chose. When they're happy with the final version, ask them to transcribe it onto high-quality watercolor paper and then use watercolors to realistically or abstractly illustrate something special about this place.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their art and poetry to the class and discuss the chosen region, some facts about it, and why it has special meaning to them.

Standards

LA: Write using words, numbers, and images to inform and explain, share experiences, and create narratives, either fictional or non-fictional.  

SS: Individual Development and Identity: Describe factors important to the development of personal identity and the context of identity within families, peer or affinity groups, schools, communities, and nationalities. 

Adaptations

Have students research the national anthem or tribute songs of the region they wrote about. When was it written? What are the lyrics and why were they chosen?

Several countries have modified the lyrics of their anthems to be more inclusive and respectful of all inhabitants. Have students learn about the changes made to the anthems of Australia, Austria, Canada, and South Africa.